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Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

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  • Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

    Hello all of you Coffee Geeks,

    What a world we live in now.
    Got a problem?
    Go to Google and solve it (or in this case Coffeesnobs).

    Im a newbie and have just taken delivery of my new Mazzer Mini grinder. Even though I expected something nice, I was staggered by its build quality and the overall robustness.

    I have a reservation though and I havent even begun to address the sweep issue in the doser but I have removed the silly plastic tamper and SS finger guard in the doser.

    I have been using for some years (albeit in extremely modest equipment) a blend and roast of beans that are extremely dark (read almost black) and very shiny with oil. Ive always liked the blend because its strong without too much bitterness. I accept the fact that when my Vibiemme arrives in the next few days that I might move on but at this stage I cant consider anything but my current choice.

    Have a look at the photo of the hopper below... (I dont know why but I cant seem to post my photo?)

    Anyway, the blend/roast is extremely oily and inside the hopper of the Mini theres a plastic circular (hut shaped) inverted cone structure to (I guess) stop fingers going into the grinder. There doesnt seem to be any way to remove it because it seems to be welded in for permanency.

    Im concerned that the structure will make cleaning the hopper very difficult because coffee oil is extremely resilient in my experience. Im also concerned about other parts in the grinder that may accumulate oily residue.

    Is there an answer to this or shouldnt I be too concerned?

    Thanks
    Tony




  • #2
    Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

    Hi NOTG

    The cone is to stop foreign objects (including fingers) from falling directly into the grinder throat.

    What you could do is, rather than dumping all your beans into the hopper at once, only add enough for your current shot(s). Then the beans arent in contact with the hopper as much. Also, the beans will stay fresher as well when not exposed to air and light as much.

    If you havent already, get yourself a grinder brush. Dont use a brush with nylon or other synthetic hairs or you will get a static electricity problem with clumping

    I suspect with your new grinder and machine, you may want to vary your bean choices. In fact, I highly recommend it.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

      Thanks Flynn aus

      Why do you suggest changing the bean choice? Simply because of the oil?

      Where will I get a grinder brush and what do they consist of?
      Thanks mate
      Tony

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

        Oh yes,
        In respect to only using enough beans for current shots, I understand. However, it seems that the oil problem would still exist because the oil residue would be confined to the area below the plastic dome that is almost inaccessible.
        Cheers
        Tony

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

          Cafetto is good at dissolving coffee oils and I suspect should clean the hopper easily.

          As well, I suspect you are likely to enjoy a lighter roast with the better equipment. The brewing temperature makes a difference to bitterness, as does the amount of coffee extracted from a basket.

          Anyway, new equipment means some experimenting is in order, and lighter roasts allow more of the fruit flavours to show in the coffee--especially in freshly roasted beans.

          Let us know how you go, with a Mazzer and a VBM Super you have equipment capable of truly excellent coffee.

          Greg

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

            Originally posted by 6B617463636C787E0D0 link=1256637921/1#1 date=1256640053
            Hi NOTG

            The cone is to stop foreign objects (including fingers) from falling directly into the grinder throat.
            I always thought it was a device to prevent the weight of a full hopper of beans affecting the grind when compared to the weight of a nearly empty hopper of beans.

            I agree it looks as if there is potential for mankyness.
            Caffeto in a spray bottle and a rinse with water should be enough to clean it imo.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

              You blokes are unbelievably helpful... Thanks again.
              Ive emailed Cafetto Aus to see which product so hope to get a result.

              What about the rest of the grinder like the Doser and the throat and grinding blades etc?

              Would blending the oily beans with lighter roast beans be likely to help the situation overall?

              I guess the problem is that Ive been drinking this brew for some years and have become addicted to it. The beans were ground with a very cheap grinder and brewed in a cheap Breville espresso machine.

              I have about 3kg of beans Ive just taken delivery of and really dont want to turf them.

              Cheers
              T

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                No matter what you do you will get oil and grind residue "It Happens"  ;D
                In fact its impossible not to

                A good cleaning regime is best

                I am not sure if the hopper is dishwasher safe (being a small commercial grinder) but I wash mine by hand under the sink with dish-washing liquid and a soft cloth so it does not scratch
                Its easy and quick so you should not worry to much

                Just concentrate on making good coffee

                You can see the result on my grinders
                KK

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                  Originally posted by 31292C2C392803313D326A6B5C0 link=1256637921/5#5 date=1256642830
                  I always thought it was a device to prevent the weight of a full hopper of beans affecting the grind when compared to the weight of a nearly empty hopper of beans.
                  Yep,

                  Thats its primary purpose alright.... Finger barrier comes second :

                  Mal.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                    Hi T, I take my hopper off one a week and wash it in hot water and detergent and it comes up a treat.
                    I took the tamper, finger guard off the day I took delivery, I use the brush to clear out grinds in outlet once burrs have ceased rotating (got caught out early days with brush getting stuck and had to take off burr carrier to free it up!!) and to brush out dose chamber after dosing and brewing, I purchased a little Breville had vac for keeping the area clean and vac out doser chamber of any dust.
                    I only dose enough beans for my current shots and close the little chute to stop popcorning.
                    I love my Mini, its not perfect but is does a great job!!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                      Originally posted by 5249485F4A43514F55260 link=1256637921/2#2 date=1256640284
                      Why do you suggest changing the bean choice? Simply because of the oil?
                      No, just the variety and the other flavours available (as KK says). Your new equipment will have the ability to bring out more from your coffee. Your current supply of beans will be useful for learning the ropes on your new VBM which is going to be like stepping out of a Daihatsu and into a high performance Holden (or Ford ) Try something new to experience the potential of it. Perhaps get a roasted sample pack from BeanBay. You can go back to your favourites after if you still prefer it.

                      All beans are oily - just that some sweat the oil onto the surface -(usually apparent with dark roasts) while others retain the oil within the bean.

                      FWIW, Ive only washed my hopper a couple of times (I have the Mazzer short hopper). The beans arent in there for long.

                      Originally posted by 5249485F4A43514F55260 link=1256637921/2#2 date=1256640284
                      Where will I get a grinder brush and what do they consist of?
                      Coffeeparts sell them - see here. You can also buy them from hardware stores or kitchen supply section (pastry brush). Just dont get ones with plastic/nylon bristles.

                      Originally posted by 4B5356564352794B47481011260 link=1256637921/5#5 date=1256642830
                      I always thought it was a device to prevent the weight of a full hopper of beans affecting the grind when compared to the weight of a nearly empty hopper of beans.
                      Yep, I didnt think of that, but it sounds like a more logical reason.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                        Originally posted by 6F747562777E6C72681B0 link=1256637921/0#0 date=1256637921
                        I have a reservation though and I havent even begun to address the sweep issue in the doser
                        Has anyone really found a pernament and really good fix other than tape to get a good sweep?

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                          You can try screwing the adjusting knob inside the doser down to lower the sweepers. The downside of this is that it will decrease the dose size (a smaller amount of grinds per thwack on the lever).

                          Use good thick tape and it will last - I used duct tape and its still going strong a year later.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                            Originally posted by 616B7E6969667274070 link=1256637921/12#12 date=1256705358
                            You can try screwing the adjusting knob inside the doser down to lower the sweepers. The downside of this is that it will decrease the dose size (a smaller amount of grinds per thwack on the lever).

                            Use good thick tape and it will last - I used duct tape and its still going strong a year later.
                            Your mini is very different to my Super Jolly. The sweeper vane adjustment works in a telescopic fashion. Adjusting the dose does nothing to make it sweep cleaner.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Initial Mazzer Mini Concerns

                              Thanks again everyone that contibuted.
                              Tony

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